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Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 05-18-2021, 08:14 PM:

I firmly believe UK's roster has the makings of a championship team. Once again it will all depend on shooting percentage. On paper it looks outstanding but paper don't get you no championship. It must be earned on the hardwood.

I can't remember when UK has had such a diverse set of players. The grade structure is spread over all 4 classes with there being 3 freshmen, 2 sophmores, 4 juniors and 3 seniors. That will be true if Mintz returns.

There is depth at PG. There is depth at shooters. There is depth at the hoop with rebounding and defense. And this team has a lot of good defenders.

Things like missed shots under the hoop stopped us a lot last year. Turnovers stopped us last year. And a poor shooting percentage stopped us last year. They know what they have to do right to win. Lets hope everyone has a great yeaar.

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 05-18-2021, 09:45 PM:

I agree. I don't want to get too excited, but daaamn, this team looks great.

I don't think we have been this deep (as in players who can legitimately start) since the infamous "platoon" team. Two PGs, 3 SGs, and a teeming heap of talented, athletic forwards. The only missing piece is a true "aircraft carrier" type of center.

But, wow. I think we have a stable of thoroughbreds, chomping at the bit to run, run, run.

Number 9? With a little luck, yes.

Posted by ukman (Member # 3032) on 05-19-2021, 02:24 PM:

I am really excited for this team, but I am even more anxious to see what Cal does with it. Does he stick to the same tired offense we have been running, or does he spread the floor some more and look to utilize the shooters we have with more open looks from 3.

Posted by m hamilton (Member # 127) on 05-20-2021, 06:12 AM:

Well, hopefully with Orlando leaving and coming back he'll glean some info from him about what the newest offensive schemes others are running!

Posted by country cat (Member # 1774) on 05-20-2021, 05:04 PM:

i am starting to think UK will never win another championship under coach cal

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 05-21-2021, 02:30 AM:

I have an excitement level about this team that I haven't had since the 2015 squad. Talent everywhere, and upper class men leadership. I think one of the biggest problems last year was a lack of leadership.

Posted by ukcatfannfl (Member # 1425) on 05-21-2021, 08:45 AM:

Maybe it is just me but I was never a fan of Barbee and Justis and believe that tney had a lot to do with our lack of "knowing" what type of recruit they were getting!

Payne was the glue and hoping that Orlando can make up for lots of his skill and get us back on track.

I along with u guys feel this years team has all the pieces to actually make a strong run this time.

excited - yes

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 05-21-2021, 11:37 AM:

One point that makes me hesitate -- if Brooks and Mintz don't return, we will have only Toppin and Ware as our returnees. Other than them, our upperclassmen with be seasoned and proven college transfer players, but without experience under Cal. That always means a rocky November/December.

But by March... [Smile]

[ 05-21-2021, 11:38 AM: Message edited by: Tiptree ]

Posted by Bama Cat (Member # 153) on 05-21-2021, 11:55 AM:

We can hope for good reason, once again

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 05-21-2021, 12:00 PM:

Ed,

Totally agree about Barbee; never was sold on him. Not as sure about Justice, but most DEFINITELY we missed Payne in a big way.

Orlando can help fill that gap, but not completely. Payne was probably the best assistant coach I have seen on a UK team, other than that guy Joe B. Hall. [Smile]

Posted by GA Cat (Member # 642) on 05-21-2021, 12:57 PM:

quote:
Originally posted by Tiptree:
Ed,

Totally agree about Barbee; never was sold on him. Not as sure about Justice, but most DEFINITELY we missed Payne in a big way.

Orlando can help fill that gap, but not completely. Payne was probably the best assistant coach I have seen on a UK team, other than that guy Joe B. Hall.

I really liked Leonard Hamilton as an assistant.

Posted by Tiptree (Member # 844) on 05-21-2021, 01:08 PM:

Good point, GA Cat. Hamilton was awesome, and was a big loss.

Posted by rlt4uk (Member # 3194) on 05-21-2021, 03:37 PM:

I said Barbee was a cancer when Cal hired him. The reports that came out of Auburn when he left said that none of the players liked him.